A PHILOSOPHICAL EVALUATION OF SOPHIE OLUWOLE’S CONCEPT OF MORALITY AND KANTIAN ETHICS AS IMPERATIVE FOR AN IDYLLIC SOCIETY IN AFRICA

By

Adetunji Sunday Oni

Department of Philosophy

Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria

Abstract

The question of the basis of morality remains one of the perennial  problems in human society, while diverse thought system have come up  with different arguments for diverse factors, such as religion, humanity, rationality, and consequentialism, among others. This paper explores the compatibility between the Yoruba concept of morality as presented by Sophie Oluwole and Kant’s moral principle as bases for an idyllic society in Africa. To achieve the aim of this study, the methodologies employed include conceptual and critical analysis. A combination of these methods will help to analyze and critically consider other various arguments that are concerned in an attempt to arrive at a reconciliatory state. Using this method, it is gathered that the importation of Kant’s ethics as a moral succour is a mere formality because we can find all the ingredients of Kant’s ethical principle in Yoruba concept of morality. Also, a relationship is established between the concept of humanity, religion, and society. This relationship is argued to be interwoven and impossible to ignore.